Khalid confirms arrest of 3 men leaving for Syria

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KUALA LUMPUR: The Inspector-General of Police has confirmed that three local men were detained at the KL International Airport (KLIA) Thursday, on suspicion of heading to Syria to join the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.

Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar

Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said two of the suspects were a technician and architect, both aged 26, while the other, aged 42, operated a sundry shop.

He said the police also confiscated an IS flag belonging to one of the suspects.

“They were detained on suspicion of violating Chapter VIA, offences related to violence, Penal Code and investigation according to procedure under the Security Offences Act (Special Measures) 2012,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Khalid said the police would continue to take preventive measures under existing laws on any Malaysian found planning to join the IS.

“The police are advising the public to monitor the activities of their family members and people around them to detect and prevent any Malaysian, especially youths, from joining the IS group,” added.

Anyone with information on such activities can contact investigating officer Insp Mohd Hazil Azhar of the Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division at 03-22665673 or 011-21046850, or e-mail [email protected]. — Bernama